Former Annuity Board President Powell dies at 83

DALLAS — Former Annuity Board, now GuideStone Financial Resources, president Paul W. Powell died December 28, following a stroke earlier this month. He was 83.

Powell served as president of the Annuity Board from March 1, 1990, until his retirement September 30, 1997, when he was succeeded by current GuideStone President O.S. Hawkins.

“Paul Powell was a strong advocate for our participants throughout his tenure,” Hawkins said, “and he guided the Annuity Board with integrity and skill. When we took over stewardship of this ministry, he was a trusted adviser and made the transition in leadership as seamless as possible.

“Our prayers and our hearts go out to his family during these days.”

Powell was born December 6, 1933, in Brookeland in East Texas, and was raised in the southeast Texas city of Port Arthur. He held his Bachelor of Arts, with history and religion majors, from Baylor University (1956) and his Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (1960).

Prior to serving as Annuity Board president, Powell had served for 17 years as pastor of the Green Acres Baptist Church in Tyler, Texas. He held previous pastorates throughout Texas, serving in San Marcos, Taylor, Troy and Belfalls.

Upon his retirement from the Annuity Board, Powell returned to living in Tyler and was active in the ministries of Green Acres Baptist Church. He would later serve six years as dean of the George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University.

A published author, he had more than 50 books to his credit; his most recent book, God Works in Mischievous Ways, was released earlier this fall.

Powell is survived by his wife of 62 years, Cathy, and his children Mike and Lori, as well as three grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his son Kent, who died in April, and his parents, Jodie and Mary Powell.